The surprising resurgence of St. John’s men’s basketball has been defined by many key moments, but none more compelling than the unlikely and increasingly powerful bond between Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino and senior guard Kadary Richmond.
In a season that has brought national attention back to the Red Storm, the duo’s partnership has emerged as one of the driving forces behind the program’s best campaign in a quarter-century.
A Coach’s Praise Amid Pain
Over the past week, Pitino has publicly praised Richmond’s toughness, calling attention to the groin injuries that have plagued the 6-foot-6 senior guard since early February. The coach, speaking unprompted on multiple occasions, emphasized that Richmond’s ability to play through the pain is unlike anything he’s seen before.
“Kadary Richmond is more injured than any player I’ve coached right now, and he fights through it,” Pitino said following Sunday’s win over Connecticut.
The remarks came just days after a similar postgame comment following a win over DePaul, with Pitino taking direct aim at critics from Richmond’s former program.
“I don’t know what the hell they were yelling about at Seton Hall about general soreness,” Pitino said, referring to the nickname some fans gave Richmond after he missed time last season due to injuries. “He shouldn’t have even played against UConn.”
Richmond Responds with Poise and Production
For Richmond, now in his final collegiate season, Pitino’s words carried significant meaning.
“It just shows the type of person he is,” Richmond said before Wednesday night’s 76–70 road win at Butler. “I try to block all that stuff out… I could’ve spoken on it during my time there. I chose not to. That just goes to show how much he cares about us players.”
Richmond’s on-court contributions have been just as notable. Since aggravating his groin in a Feb. 1 win over Providence, he has averaged 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Against Butler, he finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, playing a key role in another tough Big East road victory.
Earning Trust in a New System
When Richmond transferred to St. John’s from Seton Hall, many questioned whether his approach to the game would mesh with Pitino’s famously intense coaching style. Richmond’s perceived lack of consistency and the coach’s high standards created a narrative that suggested a possible clash.
Instead, Pitino has gone out of his way to praise Richmond’s accountability, leadership, and willingness to put the team first. Early in the season, when Richmond’s statistics were modest, Pitino credited the guard for playing within the flow of a talented lineup rather than forcing shots.
In January, Pitino did publicly challenge Richmond to improve his conditioning. Since then, the senior has responded emphatically, raising both his performance level and his leadership presence.
“He’s answered the bell,” Pitino said recently. “He’s matured, taken care of his body, and found ways to lead this team.”
Bringing New York Basketball Back
For Richmond, the success of the team carries personal significance. A native of Brooklyn, he’s aware of how long it’s been since New York City’s college basketball scene had a true contender.
“There’s been a drought in the city in terms of college basketball,” he said. “And debates about who the New York team really is. So it’s nice to go around and be noticed for the work we’re putting in.”
St. John’s has become the talk of the town once again. With their faces now featured on flag poles and promotional material across Madison Square Garden, players are experiencing the rare buzz that surrounds a winning college program in the Big Apple.
“It’s a good feeling to have,” Richmond added. “People are noticing the work. It makes it all worth it.”
Eyes on March, Together
As the regular season winds down and the Big East tournament approaches, the Pitino-Richmond connection remains central to the Red Storm’s hopes. The duo—one a battle-tested coaching legend, the other a late-blooming star—is writing a redemption story that resonates across college basketball.
For Pitino, it’s validation that his first year back in New York was the right move. For Richmond, it’s a chance to rewrite his narrative on a bigger stage—and prove that toughness isn’t measured by the games you miss, but the pain you play through.
In a season where chemistry, leadership, and belief have transformed a program, the coach and the player at the centre of it all are showing exactly what’s possible when doubt gives way to determination.
